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What they said

Ballinamallard Utd 1-2 Linfield

I am sick. We should have won it. We had a chance to make it 2-0 and didn't take it. We were the better side in the first half but ended up taking nothing from the game. I can't ask any more of my players in terms of attitude though.

Gavin DykesBallinamallard manager

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What they said

Coleraine 1-0 Crusaders

We are bitterly disappointed. We have honest individuals in our changing room and we haven't performed well today. We haven't dealt well with the livelypitch and we ran out of ideas in the end. We didn't do what we normally do but I tip my hat to Coleraine for the amount of effort they put in to keep us out.

Stephen BaxterCrusaders manager

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What they said

Ballinamallard Utd 1-2 Linfield

There were a few words said at half-time and we eventually got over the line. It's three massive points in the title race and we believe we can go on and win the league title. It sets up a big game against Crusaders in two weeks. As soon as I struck the ball, I knew it was going in.

Stephen LowryLinfield goal-scorer

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What they said

Coleraine 1-0 Crusaders

Our energy across the pitch for the 90 minutes was fantastic. You have got to be right up there in all aspects to beat the champions. They are a team with serious firepower and I didn't think one goal would be enough. For big parts of the game we held our own. Chris Johns was fantastic and he has a big future ahead of him.

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GOAL

Ballinamallard Utd 1-2 Linfield

A big goal in the title race - Stephen Lowry smashes into the top corner on 85 minutes to put the Blues in front. The midfielder chested down before delivering a blistering strike into the Mallards net. As it stands Linfield will cut the gap on leaders Crusaders to four points.

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CLOSE!

Coleraine 1-0 Crusaders

Crusaders have created few clear-cut chances but they have squandered an excellent opportunity at the Showgrounds. Jordan Owens heads down from a long ball and David Cushley slices wide from six yards. Could be a big miss.

Watch Final Score - BBC 2 NI at 5pm

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Meanwhile at the National Stadium...

While the Irish Premiership action takes place on Saturday afternoon, the Northern Ireland squad are being put through their paces in a training session at Windsor Park ahead of tomorrow night's World Cup qualifier against Norway.

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Can Coleraine keep out the Crues?

Coleraine 1-0 Crusaders

Crusaders have been building momentum since the penalty and they have stretched Coleraine, who continue to pose a threat at the other end. With the players Crusaders have up top I expect more goals in the second half.

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GOAL

Ballinamallard Utd 1-0 Linfield

The Mallards go in front on the half-hour mark with Ryan Curran firing into the bottom corner. Curran netted from 20 yards and the pressure is now on the Blues in a game they really must win before the top-two clash with the Crues in a fortnight.